Connection Newsletter November-December 2021

A Publication from the Office of the President

In this Issue…

Support Services Important For First-Gen Students............... 3

November/December 2021

Apprenticeships Are Critical to Developing Talent Pipeline TCTC and Apprenticeship Carolina hosted a breakfast November 18 to spotlight four companies who have implemented apprenticeship programs in partnership with TCTC and Apprenticeship Carolina.

Representatives from Bosch, Arthrex, Medshore and BASF each talked about how their apprenticeship programs create value for their organizations and are a critical piece in developing the talent pipeline.

The Bosch Technical Scholars program Josh Shore, vice president of strategic projects for Medshore is a 14-week program that combines seven weeks of classroom instruction with seven weeks of in-plant training, said Alan Johnson, senior technical trainer at Robert Bosch LLC. He said the program helps students to adapt to their workplaces more quickly by getting hands-on experience in various areas of

(continued on page 9)

Keowee Partnership Funds Scholarships............................... 7

BASF Hosts Luncheon for Apprentices In honor of National Apprenticeship Week (November 15–21), BASF hosted an appreciation luncheon for its apprentices who take classes at our Oconee Campus.

Since mid-June, these apprentices began attending classes one to two days a week at TCTC’s Oconee Campus while working as operations process technicians at BASF’s Seneca facility.

The eight-month apprenticeship program pays apprentices a full-time wage and full benefits to participate in on-the-job training at BASF’s Seneca facility while earning a certificate in Process Technology from Tri-County. At the end of the program, apprentices have the skills and credentials to be placed in permanent positions at BASF’s Seneca site.

Saluting Our Veterans................ 7

Food, Fun, Fellowship at Holiday Celebration.................... 9

Passionate people TRANSFORMING LIVES

AND BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES ONE STUDENT AT A TIME.

Connection is published six times each year by the Office of the President and the Public Relations Department.

Mailing Address (All Campuses) P. O. Box 587 Pendleton, SC 29670 Pendleton Campus 7900 Highway 76 Pendleton, SC Anderson Campus 511 Michelin Blvd.

Anderson, SC Easley Campus 1774 Powdersville Rd. Easley, SC Oconee Campus 552 Education Way Westminster, SC Main Number (864) 646-TCTC (8282) Toll-free 1-866-269-5677 Website tctc.edu

Tri-County Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Tri-County Technical College.

Tri-County Technical College does not discriminate in admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, qualifying disability, veteran’s status, or national origin.

2 • CONNECTION

Connecting

A

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

s 2021 comes to a close, I want to reflect on all that Dr. Galen DeHay President we have accomplished over the past year. I also want to focus our attention on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

First, I am especially proud of our performance over the past year. Tri-County remains number one in the S.C. Technical College System in student success rate, graduation rate and successful transfer to four-year colleges, and our job placement rate rose to 95%. When we compare ourselves to other two-year colleges across the nation, we rank in the top 10 percentile for student success, job placement and transfer. We also have one of the lowest tuition rates in South Carolina. These performance metrics illustrate why Tri-County is not only an excellent investment but an asset to our region. I am grateful for our dedicated faculty and staff who made these results possible.

As our vision states, we transform lives and build strong communities, one student at a time. In order for us to continue advancing our vision, we must acknowledge and address the challenges that persist in our community. The challenges I speak of center on educational attainment—which hasn’t significantly increased over the past decade and is being further impacted by the coronavirus pandemic—and our workforce. Many unskilled and lower-skilled workers are trapped in low-wage jobs. Additionally, technology is shifting the workforce at a faster rate, increasing the need for middle-skill jobs. We also know that, by the year 2030, 70% of jobs will require a post-secondary credential.

On top of that, our nation is experiencing historic employee attrition rates. In September alone, a record 4.4 million people (or 3% of workers) quit their jobs.

Community colleges play a critical role in educating highly-skilled workers for positions in business and industry. We promote economic diversity and prosperity in the communities we serve, and we ensure our students earn a high-quality credential that leads to a family-sustaining wage. Our student success mission equips us to do this work, and we have the partnerships to provide our students equitable opportunities to meet their career and life aspirations.

Partnerships are an essential tool in our tool belt when it comes to increasing educational attainment and creating workforce pipelines. For example, we work with our K-12 partners to offer technical career pathways that are fully funded by the state for students who are in high school and committed to continuing toward an associate degree in fields like engineering, welding, or computer and information technology. We also partner with business and industry to offer registered youth and adult apprenticeships.

No matter the type of apprenticeship program, our goal is the same, which is to ensure our business and industry partners have access to a skilled and competent workforce and our students have an opportunity to earn while they learn.

These are just some of the ways Tri-County is turning challenges into opportunities.

As our region continues to navigate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Tri-County remains committed to working with our partners to develop innovative solutions to address our region’s most pressing needs.

In your service,

Galen DeHay, Ph.D., President

Support Services Important for First-Generation Students Like many TCTC students, President Galen DeHay is a firstgeneration college student who was raised in a single-family home.

He said he can relate to TCTC students’ journeys as he worked to support himself as an undergrad at Clemson University while juggling studies and commitments.

During a First-Generation College Student Celebration Dropin Event held November 8, Dr. DeHay told the group that he understands the importance of supporting students in their studies and is a firm believer in wrap-around services that enable students to achieve their goals. He urged them to take advantage of campus resources, like tutoring and supplemental instruction.

“Continue to use the College’s resources that help you to be successful. Develop a network of your peers who can help you.

And connect with not just one person but several mentors who can be invaluable in your education and beyond.”

President Galen DeHay (left) talks with Selena Valdizon, an associate degree nursing major.

Law Enforcement Forum Held at Anderson Campus Anderson County residents, members of law enforcement, elected officials and community leaders were in attendance for the community forum with law enforcement held November 15 at the Anderson Campus. Attendees engaged in small group discussion, and the forum concluded with summary reports from the small groups and a review of next steps.

The forum is an outgrowth of Ten at the Top’s Creating a Safer Upstate initiative, which seeks to provide opportunities for law enforcement and the community to convene to discuss community issues and emerging law enforcement topics.

The Anderson forum is the first in a series of community

forums being planned across the 10-county Upstate region.

The forum began with remarks from Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts, who serves as Ten at the Top chairman. Anderson Police Chief Jim Stewart provided an overview of the topics to be discussed, which included police training and credentials, recruiting and retention of law enforcement, community engagement, policing policies, and neighborhood safety concerns.

Attendees engaged in small group discussion, and the forum concluded with summary reports from the small groups and a review of next steps.

President’s Cup Golf Tournament Raises $56,945 The President’s Cup golf tournament held October 19 raised $56,945 for the College’s priority needs. A team representing Thrift Brothers, Inc., was named the tournament champions. Many thanks to our community sponsors Oconee Federal Financial Corporation in partnership with HMR Veteran Services, Schneider Electric, along with birdie sponsors McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture; TB; Blue Ridge Electric Co-op; J Davis, Inc.; Michelin, Robinson Funeral Home; and Atlanta Consulting Group.

November/December 2021 • 3

Giving the Gift of Life Many thanks to the 26 faculty, staff and students who donated blood at the November 2 blood drive sponsored by the American Red Cross.

Bake Sale Raises $1,270 For MOC Scholarship Thanks to everyone for participating in the bake sale to support the Men of Color (MOC) scholarship. The MOC scholarship will be awarded to two students in 2022!

From left, Marla Cobb, Ingryd Masters and Dr. Jackie Blakley Berdina Hill

Dr. Stephan Irwin

General Engineering Technology Students Showcase their Talents General Engineering Technology (GET) students showcased their capstone and semester projects at the annual Tech Fest held November 23 in the Student Success Center. Participating were first-semester students in ‘Electric Circuits.’ Other projects included second-year students in ‘Active Devices’ and ‘Hydraulics and Pneumatics.’ Projects included conveyor systems, a pneumatic chime player, shotgun microphone, graphite keyboard and other interesting innovations.

“General Engineering Technology students are required, in certain courses, to create and showcase projects exhibiting concepts learned in the course,” said Dorian McIntire, academic program director for GET. “The most recent Tech Fest project-based learning is a very important feature of GET because it helps students engage deeply in critical thinking and practice a multitude of skills.”

Jacob Spoon operates a conveyor system.

4 • CONNECTION

Tom Batson talks about the pneumatic chime player he created with Ben McIntire (not pictured).

Our College Family excellence through service

Denise Day Featured in SC Voyager Magazine

Betty H. Stack, a lecturer in Denise Day, a the English Department, is the cographic artist in our author of several articles published marketing department in recent issues of national and owner of educational journals.

Denise Day Daydream Art, was “Supporting Student Success featured this month in South Carolina Voyager Magazine. in the New Normal” appears in The Betty H. Stack Chronicle, National Organization for Serving Our Community Student Success newsletter, and the Journal of Developmental Two groups of faculty and staff, many of whom are South Education at Appalachian State University.

Carolina Women in Higher Education (SCWHE) representatives, Another article, “Embracing Diversity to Build Community,” volunteered at the Anderson Interfaith Ministries-sponsored co-authored by Betty, Dr. Wes Anthony, Carole Mueller, and annual turkey distribution prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. More Ashley Green-Strong, was just completed and appears in the than 1,000 Anderson-area families in need received meal boxes.

Journal of Access, Retention and Inclusion in Higher Education. It is slated for the upcoming winter issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education as well.

In addition, Betty is one of the authors of a recently copyrighted film, “The Shake Up,” which represents a true story of three former community college students. “The young men have all gone on to earn four-year degrees and wonderful lives,” said Betty. “They approached me five years ago with a script idea and we worked on it and it has now becoming a reality. It is a story filled with drugs, violence, gangs and the dangerous choices some left: From left are (front row) Beth Brown, Anne Bryan, Carolyn Stewart, Jessica Smith and Devona Tucker; and (back row) Erin Smith and Courtney White. young adults do face, and the reality of someone right: From left are Berdina Hill, Dr. Jackie Blakley and Dr. Beverly McAdams. believing in them enough to change their lives.”

in transition Jessica Foxworth joined the TriCounty team in September serving as an enrollment counselor within the Recruitment, Admissions, and Orientation Department.

For the last five years she has served as associate director of admissions at Francis Marion University. Prior to that she worked in account support for CH Robinson, Jessica Foxworth a third-party logistics company.

Jessica earned a bachelor of science degree in health and physical education from the College of Charleston and a master

of education degree from Francis Marion University. She and her daughter, Lily, 4, live in Greenville.

Ashley Harbin recently joined the Registrar’s Office as a student data center generalist. Since 2008 she has been employed as a circulation clerk at the Pickens County Library System. Ashley earned a business management degree from TCTC in 2003. She and her husband, Jason, have two children, Eli, 21, and Jake, 10. They live in Pickens. (continued on page 6)

Ashley Harbin

November/December 2021 • 5

After more than a year as an adjunct instructor, Mike Owens joined the Corporate and Community Education Division as a full-time commercial driver’s license instructor.

Since 1983 Mike has worked for NFI G&P Trucking. He and his wife, Teresa, live in Seneca. They have two adult children, Rebecca, and Jessica.

Mike Owens

Tracy Hotham is the learning strategist in the Learning Commons. Her previous employment was with Strayer University as a learning resources center manager. She also has worked as the director of a rural public library in Maine. She has a bachelor of science degree in information and library services with a minor in business education administration from the University of Maine at Augusta and a master of education with a concentration in adult education from Strayer University. She lives in Powdersville.

Shelby Duffy

Rozlynd Taylor is the assistant manager of the Café. For the last two years, she was a sales associate for the UPS Store in Anderson. Prior to that she was employed at Fuddrucker’s as a staff leader and baker. She is a 2016 alumna of our associate in arts program. While a TCTC student, she worked parttime as an IT desk assistant and computer lab assistant. Rozlynd also has a bachelor’s degree in business management from USC Upstate. She received a ServSafe certification in 2018. She lives in Central.

Tracy Hotham

Dr. Carolyn Walker has been appointed Department Head for Business Technology. Carolyn will officially begin her duties in January 2022.

Dr. Stephan Irwin

New positions associated with the Arts and Sciences Division’s reorganization plan have been filled. These new roles are effective January 4, 2022. We welcome these faculty to their new assignments: Shelby Duffy has been selected as the assistant dean for the School of Science and Math. Shelby currently serves as the department head for science and is a chemistry instructor.

Dr. Stephan Irwin has been selected as the program director for the School of Science and Math. Stephan currently serves as a coordinator of instructional activity for the science department and is a biology instructor.

Rozlynd Taylor

Brian Smith has been selected as the assistant dean for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Brian currently serves as the department head for business technology and teaches in the business administration program.

Brian Smith

Katy Hardy has been selected as the program director for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Katy currently serves as the coordinator of instructional activity for the Humanities Department and is a history instructor.

Dr. Carolyn Walker 6 • CONNECTION

Katy Hardy

Foundation News Keowee Partnership Funds Scholarships Members of the Keowee Key Community Partnership (KKCP) presented a $5,650 donation to the Tri-County Technical College Foundation to fund KKCP Scholarships that provide financial assistance to need-based students in Oconee County. The purpose of the scholarship is two-fold: to provide financial assistance to need-based individuals on a case-bycase basis, with Keowee Key full- and part-time employees and their immediate families receiving first consideration, and to support the College’s vision of transforming lives and building strong communities, one student at a time.

The Keowee Key Community Partnership consists of Keowee Key property owners whose mission is to partner with deserving, effective, not-for-profit organizations that make a difference in Oconee County.

Pictured with Dave Eldridge, chairman and CEO of Tri-County Entrepreneurial Development Corporation and a member of the TCTC Foundation Board, fifth from left are Beth Brown, Thomas Hudgins, Courtney White, Grayson Kelly, and Debbie Nelms from the TCTC Foundation.

Saluting Our Veterans In honor of our veterans, Human Resources hosted a luncheon for student and employee service members to express gratitude for their service to our country. left: Cynthia Breneman, an adjunct political science instructor, and her father, Alfred Breneman, 85, spent Veterans Day at the College. Cynthia served six years in the Army as a medical lab technician and is a member of the Army Reserves. Her father served 22 years in the service, from June 6, 1960, until January 8, 1982, as a helicopter mechanic, inspector and civilian pilot.

Faculty in the Business and Public Services Division who are veterans pose for a photo, from left, Dr. Carolyn Walker (Army veteran), Billy Carson (Navy veteran) and Brian Smith (Marine veteran). Thank you for your service!

David Poynter, a university transfer major and Air Force veteran, left, talks with Jeff Laws and Marcia Leake from our human resources office. David currently serves in the National Guard.

November/December 2021 • 7

Longtime Employees Tim Bowen and Anne Bryan Retire Anne Bryan When Lisa Saxon joined the College back in 2002, it didn’t take her long to realize that Executive Assistant Anne Bryan would be her go-to person for just about everything.

“Anne approached me during my first week here at the College and asked me to lunch. I immediately realized she knew a lot about TCTC and would be a valuable resource for me and many others in years to come. We learned we share the same birthday. We started out as colleagues and quickly became good friends,” said Lisa, who has served as the administrative assistant for the institutional effectiveness office since 2002.

Catherine Watt, project manager for institutional research and evaluation, who joined TCTC when COVID-19 struck and the College shifted to remote learning and working, is equally as impressed with Anne’s knowledge. When TCTC reopened, Catherine says Anne was on campus every day and was her source for information. “She was my orientation, my A to Z guide to TCTC. She was able to answer every question, great and small.

One year later, I still rely on her.”

With more than 28 years of service, Anne announced her retirement several months ago. Her last day will be January 4.

Earlier this year, Anne and her husband, Pat, who recently retired, welcomed their first grandchild, who is now seven months old.

Their daughter and son-in-law live in Tennessee. “We plan to travel, volunteer, and make lots of trips to Tennessee,” said Anne.

“Anne has been an integral part of Academic Affairs for decades,” said President Galen DeHay, who worked closely with her for many years in his previous roles at the College. “We were a team. Anne has a genuine love for students and helping them.

She has a positive attitude and comes to work every day ready to do what is best for people.”

Sarah Shumpert, director of academic development, echoes those thoughts. “The College just won’t be the same without Anne Bryan. Over the years, she has cultivated tremendous knowledge on the inner workings of Academic Affairs. She has been everyone’s go-to person for questions about academic policies, which has been especially important during the vacancy of the VP of Academic Affairs position. She has provided much-need continuity during this time. Despite probably being asked the same questions over and over again, she always is cheerful and patient in her answers and keeps everything running smoothly!

Likewise, she goes out of her way to assist anyone in need—from leadership to faculty to students. Anne embodies our iCare standards. She will be greatly missed!”

8 • CONNECTION

Tim Bowen Lifting people up and getting them to a better place in life has been Tim Bowen’s mantra during his tenure at TCTC and in his personal life. “Whether it was in ministry, the corporate world, museum work or higher education, it has been my calling to help people get to a better place in life,” said Tim, who after 26 years of service with the state of South Carolina, including 12 years at Clemson University, will retire on January 4—interestingly, 13 years to the day he started at TCTC in 2009 as the Anderson Campus director. Tim was named senior director of community campuses in 2019 and since has also served as the acting director for the Easley Campus.

“This work has been so meaningful,” Tim said at a gathering of colleagues to celebrate his retirement. “I’ve learned so much from each and every one of you. You’ve been wonderful partners and a great support system. Even though I think I’ve been blessed with the greatest job at the College, it feels like the right time to leave.” He said he and his wife, Pam, plan to enjoy the next phase of life while raising their grandchildren, taking care of siblings and remaining active members of Utica Baptist Church.

“Although I will greatly miss my work family and the vision we share, I now hear an even stronger calling to family, health and the next mission God has for me, whatever that looks like. It’s a bit of a leap of faith, but I know it’s the right move for me at this point in life.” In reflecting on his personal life, Tim said, “I want to focus on being in the moment and experiencing that moment, instead of constantly planning the next thing.”

“It’s been a pleasure to know Tim,” said Linda Jameison, vice president of student support and engagement. “He is a colleague and a friend. We learn from and with each other. Tim always provides guidance and perspective. I will miss him.”

“There are many things that stand out about Tim during his tenure, but I am most impressed with the way he created a true student-first family atmosphere at our community campuses. That work will live on and continue to benefit students and employees,” said TCTC President Galen DeHay. “It’s been a great journey,” Tim said.

“It’s always bittersweet when longtime employees retire,” said TCTC President Galen DeHay. “We are forever grateful for all the work that Tim and Anne did that served students, faculty and staff at the College for so many years.”

Food, Fun, Fellowship at Holiday Celebration Faculty and staff gathered to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship at the Annual Holiday Party Celebration held December 8.

The gathering was an opportunity for employees to enjoy some time together (and refreshments) prior to the holiday break. Many thanks to the Service Excellence Team for planning and sponsoring the event.

Pictured here are Arts and Sciences Division members Stevie Henrigne, Vickie Henderson and Keyla Jones.

Apprenticeships Are Critical (continued from page 1)

the manufacturing process.

Meagan Hicks, production trainer at Arthrex, gave an overview of the company’s program which provides work-based learning opportunities and apprenticeships for high school and college students. She said it is the key to producing work-ready graduates. TCTC provides the academic foundation and working in-plant gives youth and adults a chance to develop connections in the workplace.

Josh Shore, vice president of strategic projects for Medshore, said TCTC and the company entered into a partnership to create an EMT Academy, the first in the state.

The first class of 12 began in 2019 and were hired full time with benefits and were paid to attend class. “We just completed our fourth class in two years,” he said. The program has branched out with other programs that mirror TCTC’s EMT Academy starting across the state.

Claudia Spearman, training specialist for BASF in Seneca, told the crowd that this year BASF launched the BASF North American

Apprenticeship Development Program.

She said the plant is growing and expanding and this unique partnership creates a clear, structured workforce pipeline. Seven TCTC students joined the BASF team as apprentices and are pursuing a credential while also earning a full-time wage through on-the-job training at the company’s Seneca plant.

Alan Johnson, senior technical trainer, Robert Bosch LLC

Claudia Spearman, training specialist for BASF

Meagan Hicks, production trainer at Arthrex

November/December 2021 • 9

P.O. Box 587 • Pendleton, S.C. 29670

THE COLLEGE

WILL BE CLOSED

DECEMBER 23 THROUGH JANUARY 3 10 • CONNECTION